The ‘Protect Our Communities from DUI Offenders Act’ passed in the House of Representatives with 274 votes in favor and 150 votes against, mostly from Republican legislators.
The bill, also known as HR 6976, is now pending approval by the Senate, where the majority is Democrats, making its future uncertain.
If passed, the legislation aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make individuals who have been convicted of or committed a crime for driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol inadmissible and deportable, according to a House document.
The measure was proposed by Alabama Representative Barry Moore, a Republican.
However, not all representatives are in agreement with the bill. Rep. Rashida Tlaib stated that she opposes HR 6976 because it “would mean that our immigrant neighbors who came here legally and have resided in our communities for decades could be deported and torn from their families due to a conviction for a minor crime, creating a separate and unequal justice system.”
In contrast, Florida Representative Daniel Webster defended the bill and his vote in favor.
The controversy surrounding the bill comes in the wake of a recent accident allegedly caused by a drunk driver, leaving a Hispanic family in the hospital, including three minors. This incident has brought attention to the issue and ignited heated debates in the political arena.